MDMA Ecstasy or Molly: Side Effects and Risks

More molly may not necessarily mean a more intense experience.It’s worth noting that the overall risk of dependency is substantially lower for ecstasy than other drugs, according to research on drug harms. In 2010, British researchers ranked various licit and illicit substances by their potential to cause harm, either to the user or to the community. Ecstasy was ranked one of the least harmful drugs, along with mushrooms, buprenorphine, and LSD, findings which are corroborated by additional research.

In recent months, the deaths of several young people have been linked to molly. But the toxicology reports for two of the deceased — Jeffrey Russ, 23, and Matthew Rybarczyk, 20,  showed that Russ died from a fatal mix of MDMA and methylone. MDMA is typically produced and consumed in its racemic form (known as SR-MDMA) which consists of equal parts S-MDMA and R-MDMA. A 2017 study found that high doses of R-MDMA administered in mice increased prosocial behavior and facilitated fear-extinction learning but did not produce hyperthermia or signs of neurotoxicity.

Reinforcement disorders

As the effects begin to fade, people often take another dose of ecstasy to double the time it lasts. The effects of ecstasy typically last about four to six hours, though they can continue for weeks. Molly may come in the form of gel capsules or tablets, which are often colorful and come in a variety of shapes. They typically display logos, such as smiley faces, cartoon characters, or symbols used by popular brands such as Nike and Mercedes. “Severe dopaminergic neurotoxicity in primates after a common recreational dose regimen of MDMA”77 is an article by George A. Ricaurte which was published in September 2002 in the peer-reviewed journal Science, one of the world’s top academic journals.

Transpersonal effects

The tiny pill packed a weighty punch on the clubbing scene, contributing to the creation of an underground rave subculture based on electronic and dance music. MDMA is a synthesized compound that begins with the precursor safrole—an oily liquid extracted from the sassafras tree’s bark or fruit, which is native to North America and Asia. Through a number of different chemical formulations, safrole can be synthesized into MDMA. The final product delivers a euphoric high that usually kicks in within 45 minutes and lasts 3-6 hours. MDMA is a psychedelic often referred to as the “hug drug.” With a reputation as a party pill, MDMA can heighten sensations and enhance social connection. However, this potent compound boasts therapeutic uses that extend far beyond its ability to bring good feels at a rave.

But it’s difficult for law enforcement to keep track of all the chemicals. The DEA says it’s seen about 200 individual chemical compounds since 2009 and 80 new compounds since 2012. As soon as a compound is discovered and banned, another one is created to take its place. The DEA has developed its own reference materials for state and local law enforcement because they were encountering so many different drug compounds they’d never seen before.

Since it strips away emotional defense mechanisms and encourages socialization and bonding, some scientists have dubbed the drug an “empathogen.”  Among young adults (ages 19-30), about 14% have taken MDMA. Ecstasy — also known as Molly, Adam, and XTC, among many other names — is a synthetic drug, meaning it is made from lab-made chemicals. It increases levels of energy, happiness, and empathetic feelings toward others but also causes negative effects, from muscle cramps to depression to heart failure.

Are Molly and Ecstasy the Same Thing?

Depending on the type of drug test used, ecstasy can be detected for three to five days after taking it. Typically, its effects last between four and six hours, but you may feel them for weeks. When you begin to feel the effects of ecstasy like changes to the way you see the world around you, a familiar environment can provide you with a sense of security to know where you are. Reaching out for help from friends and family can be a great way to gain support.

Keeping cool, sipping water, and taking breaks are ways to help manage the rise in body temperature caused by molly. Ecstasy overdose symptoms can include faintness, panic attacks or extreme anxiety, high blood pressure, and seizures. When ecstasy use is followed by vigorous physical activity, it can lead to a potentially dangerous rise in body temperature known as hyperthermia. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies molly as a Schedule I controlled substance, which means that the drug has a high potential for abuse and no accepted use in medical treatment. According to the DEA, Molly can cause confusion, anxiety, depression, paranoia, sleep problems and drug cravings. Molly also inhibits the body’s ability to regulate temperature, resulting in hyperthermia, or elevated body temperature.

But, these settings are not the only places where having clear conversations about consent is essential. For more information on red flags and vetting a psychedelic guide here. Thus far, MAPS’ findings suggest that this therapeutic approach can be effective for patients battling the impact of trauma—a common mental health condition that the conventional pharmaceutical industry has not focused on for the past two decades. Patients approved to receive MDMA-assisted psychotherapy engage in over 40 hours of active therapy time. They work with a MAPS-trained therapist weeks before their first MDMA session.

How does MDMA work on the brain?

Collectively, these effects may account for the experience of increased trust and lowered defensiveness that many MDMA consumers report. Ongoing clinical trials also suggest that ecstasy may help treat chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Results of a Phase 3 trial found that 88% of participants who received MDMA-assisted therapy experienced a meaningful reduction in PTSD symptoms, with 67% no longer qualifying for a PTSD diagnosis after treatment. This classification means that the substance has a high potential for abuse and is not approved by law to treat medical conditions.

Where do the chemicals come from?

However, there has been renewed interest in the medical use of MDMA alongside psychotherapy to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders—specifically social anxiety disorder (SAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unlike other recreational drugs such as cocaine and nicotine, which are derived from plants, MDMA or ecstasy is synthesized by altering the structure of the amphetamine molecule. Because of the way it’s made, its purity can vary substantially, and other compounds can be easily combined into the same tablet. However, in some cases, you may continue to feel the side effects of ecstasy or “molly” the day after you take it.

A Brief History of MDMA

• Also in Boston on Saturday three people were treated for drug overdoses at a techno-rock music festival, but it was unclear if the substances involved included MDMA, according to the Boston Herald.
• It was later retracted; instead of using MDMA, methamphetamine had been used in the test.
• To make MDMA go as far as possible, people very rarely sell kids pure Molly.
• While people of all demographics use Molly, the drug appeals to young adults the most.
• The DEA has also seen Molly applied to blotting paper, like LSD, and in injectable form.
• It is thought that MDMA’s metabolites play a large role in the uncertain levels of neurotoxicity.

Excess serotonin can cause tremors, fever, molly drug wiki nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, muscle tension, agitation, irregular heartbeat, and shivering. In severe circumstances, serotonin syndrome can cause a loss of consciousness and seizure.Molly may contribute to potentially dangerous side effects when mixed with contraindicating medications. Caapi (found in ayahuasca), as well as cocaine, and other amphetamine stimulants, may increase the risk of the development of serotonin syndrome.

Always conduct independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo, PubMed) to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Diuretics such as alcohol may exacerbate these risks further due to causing excessive amounts of dehydration. Users are advised to pay close attention to their water intake, drinking neither too much nor too little, and to take care not to overexert themselves to avoid heat-stroke, which can be fatal. US officials say they are discussing the issue with the Chinese government, but most of these chemicals are legal in China. In two days, the DEA seized $95 million off drug traffickers during a crackdown.

Although research continues into the full scope of the effects of illegal drugs, regular and unsafe use of club drugs is widely accepted to have damaging side effects and carry a risk of addiction. Increased heart rate, a steep increase in body temperature, increase in blood pressure, spasms and dehydration are all common side effects of MDMA and methamphetamine. Breathing and respiratory issues, drowsiness, nausea and confusion are common side effects of said drugs. They can also make the user anxious, stressed and panicked, or even hallucinate. Drug cravings as the chemical leaves the user’s body can be complicated by sleep deprivation, dehydration and hypoglycaemia to result in debilitating ‘come downs’ which can result in depression-like symptoms. In the worst instance, club drugs result in the death of the user from cardiac arrest or water intoxication due to the increase in heart rate and thirstiness induced.

MAPS also maintains a complete record of the Scheduling fight, including government documents, testimony and court rulings. Instead, he begins to use the new drug, first in his own practice, then introducing other therapists to it. If you choose to take ecstasy, use it with as much precaution as possible. Educate yourself and your friends about the safety tips for ecstasy use to reduce unwanted health problems. If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts while using ecstasy, call or text 988 (the national suicide hotline) or visit , which provides support via online chats.